Category: Retreats Resources News

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

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Do you want to see what reinventing yourself looks like?

Well now you’re a little bit curious, aren’t you?

You know how we love shiny new things.

So here’s an idea, Dallas, come see us at the newly reopened Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas on April 2nd! Because after a year-long, $55 million renovation, the former Four Seasons located just outside of Dallas in Irving, reopened in January of this year! Freshened up with a new lobby, guest rooms and amenity spaces, all with a nod to the property’s history as a former family ranch. With 427 guest rooms and 80,000 square feet of event space, and two PGA-certified golf courses.

Tapping into the red hot luxury market popping up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they will also offer spa and pool services (currently under renovation, however), and, as we go live with this, unique dining and imbibing experiences are just opening, too!

Come join us on Tuesday, April 2nd at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas in Latana Ballroom from 10 am – 12 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by lunch from 12 pm – 2 pm in newly opened KNIFE Restaurant (as in, today as we write this…the grand opening is set for March 19th)! Come be one of their first guests and let us know what you think!

Complimentary headshots by Kelli Price Photography will be available, too — so come looking your best for that! We will give you some tips before you arrive! We are confident Kelli will help guide you to looking your best, though.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas and the second stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star Roadshow Spotlight: The Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection

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We are on the road again, y’all….this time in Texas. And boy, do we have some treats for you.

Hey there, Fort Worth! You are our first stop on Monday, April 1st. We have planned something extra special and out of our ordinary for you all. Our friends at Auberge Resorts Collection have a beautiful new luxury property in Fort Worth and we want you to be our guests at a reception at this fabulous property. It won’t be our typical Destination Showcase where you sit down and meet with our Destination Partners, but they will be there for you to meet with more informally. We want a chance to get to know you and to show off our partner’s beautiful new property so we decided to throw ourselves a little party. Join us from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm for a cocktail reception in the Billet Room at The Bowie House.

Having just opened their doors in December 2023, The Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a luxury property in the middle of Cowtown. With a private art collection and modern western décor, this stunning 106 room boutique hotel is owned by Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard, a National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro Hall of Fame rider who breeds championship horses at her ranch about 85 miles north of Fort Worth, bringing the authenticity to the property, rooted in Texas tradition.

Over the last few years Fort Worth has two-stepped its way into the spotlight with a rise in population and tourism. To accommodate one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., millions of dollars have been invested in historic areas, museums, hotels and restaurants. To say Fort Worth is having a moment is an understatement.

Come join us on Monday, April 1st in the stunning Billet Room at The Bowie House! You won’t want to miss it. Not only will we provide some merriment and good company, all attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Maui Jim VIP gift card, eligible to use on any pair of non-prescription sunglasses on their website! That means you can pick out anything you want! And we are only doing this for our stop in Fort Worth!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Fort Worth’s newest luxury venue and the first stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

 

New South Roadshow Spotlight: St. Cecilia Restaurant, Atlanta

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We are back on the road next week and our first stop is to see our old friend Atlanta!

Well isn’t this just peachy? Atlanta, you are our Old Faithful, and you are our first stop on the New South Roadshow. You can find us on Tuesday, February 27th at the beautiful St. Cecilia Restaurant. Join us from 10 am – 2 pm for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon. We look forward to seeing lots of old friends and making some new ones, too.

Seafood and pasta lovers rejoice, St. Cecilia Restaurant, by Atlanta chef-owner Ford Fry, serves up simple, thoughtful coastal European food. With dishes inspired by the coastlines of Italy, Spain and France, you can find this gem of a restaurant in Buckhead’s Pinnacle Building.

We can’t say this any differently, Conde Nast wrote about St. Cecilia: “Prime Buckhead spot that feels like a brunch discovery The vibe Dazzling yet unpretentious The crowd Stylish The food Traditional, but playful The service Possibly psychic”

Come join us on Tuesday, February 27th at St. Cecilia’s Restaurant and see for yourself!

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Atlanta and the first stop on the New South Roadshow!

New South Roadshow Spotlight: Harriet’s Rooftop, Nashville

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We are back on the road with our second roadshow of the year making stops in the New South, y’all.

Hey there, Music City! Because we know you are confident and unique enough to be the middle child, you are our second stop on the New South Roadshow. You can find us on Wednesday, February 28th at Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Nashville. Join us from 11 am – 2 pm for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon. Come see for yourself our unique brand of industry event.

Known for the place where sustainability and luxury meet, 1 Hotels is known for its unique design and offerings to their guests at any of their hotels. Located on the 19th floor of the 1 Hotel Nashville with views of downtown Music City and one of the largest rooftops in the city, Harriet’s Rooftop is no different. With indoor/outdoor options, a variety of seating, lush greenery, bars, firepits and specialty libations the hip vibe we know 1 Hotel to have carries all the way up to their roof.

Come join us on Wednesday, February 28th at Harriet’s Rooftop! You won’t want to miss it.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Nashville and the second stop on the New South Roadshow!

New South Roadshow Spotlight: Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville

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We are back on the road with our second roadshow of the year and second roadshow of the month, making stops in the New South.

Consider this your Call to Post, Louisville, as you are our final stop on Thursday, February 29th. In typical Kentucky fashion our Destination Showcase will be held at the newly expanded Angel’s Envy Distillery from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Would you even be in Kentucky unless you tasted a little bourbon?

Located in downtown Louisville in the historic American Elevator and Machine and the American Saw and Tool Companies building, Angel’s Envy quickly outgrew their space due to popularity of tours and tastings.

Now with a recent $8.2 million 13,000 square foot expansion doubling the venue’s space, including the “toasting room” private event space complete with bar and catering kitchen, the distillery can cater to the demand of its popularity properly with the space it needs.

Come join us on Thursday, February 29th at Angel’s Envy Distillery and catch some Louisville bourbon vibes for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with fabulous destinations and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at lunch catered by one of the most sought after chefs in Louisville. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

For planners living outside of Louisville, we have a special treat for you! Coming from Lexington, Indianapolis, Cincinnati or beyond? Come the night before and overnight at Hotel Genevieve and enjoy a VIP dinner experience at Nami Restaurant on us on February 28th! Limited space available, first come, first served – email Cindy O’Gorman at cindy@retreatsresources.com to make arrangements.

We look forward to welcoming you to Louisville and the final stop on the New South Roadshow!

 

Sunshine State Roadshow Spotlight: The Tampa EDITION

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Tampa, you are last but not least! We are back on the road with our first roadshow of the year hitting up stops in the Sunshine State. Our final stop brings us to the sleek Tampa EDITION hotel with our Destination Showcase and Luncheon in the Arts Club and Lounge from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Opening in 2022, with the creative vision of Ian Schrager, the always hip Tampa EDITION is Tampa’s only 5-star experience. With 172 guest rooms and 7 dining options set on the 56-acre Water Street neighborhood in downtown Tampa.

EDITION is one of the most innovative in the hospitality industry, creating world-class dining experiences in Tampa, including signature Mediterranean restaurant, Lilac, and Azure at Edition rooftop experience, both with menus by Michelin-starred chef, John Fraser.

You will find us in the sultry Arts Club and Lounge for our luncheon, underneath the ceiling full of mirror balls. (wait…did we just transport ourselves to Studio 54?)

Come join us on Thursday, February 8th at The Tampa EDITION and experience this hip hotel for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with our fantastic line up of destination partners and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at the hosted luncheon. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to The Tampa EDITION and the final stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow

Sunshine State Roadshow Spotlight: AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant, Winter Park

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What’s up, Orlando?! We are back on the road with our first roadshow of the year hitting up stops in the Sunshine State. Our third stop brings us to the Orlando area and AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant in Winter Park with our Destination showcase and luncheon from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

AVA MeditterAegean lives by the mantra “parea”, which, in Greek, means “to be in the company of friends or to do something together”. It just so happens that Retreats Resources lives by that mantra, as well, that is why we thought this would the perfect location for our unique style of industry event. Once you join us you will understand why we call it our “hospitality family”.

This venue features the essence of Mediterranean and Aegean cultures, design and cuisines combined to offer an elevated dining experience. The unique space is a nod to the spirit of Cycladic design, with effortless beauty of the five elements. The restaurant immerses the senses with taste, mixology, ethnic sounds and a unique, welcoming atmosphere.

Come join us on Wednesday, February 7th at AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant in Winter Park and try this delicious restaurant for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with fabulous destinations and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at the hosted luncheon. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to AVA MeditterAegean Restaurant and the third stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Sunshine State Roadshow Spotlight: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Posted on | by Joe Mo | 5 Comments on Sunshine State Roadshow Spotlight: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Helloooo, 2024! We are back on the road with our first roadshow of the year hitting up stops in the Sunshine State. Our first stop brings us to the beautiful Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa with our Destination showcase in the Ocean Ballroom from 4:00 – 5:30 pm followed by a “Barbie’s Playhouse” themed cocktail reception at the Eau Palm Beach Kids’ Club from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Come dressed as your favorite Barbie or Ken, break out the pink, or that bright Lily Pulitzer dress, come as Skipper or come as you are. We think you will enjoy our unique style of business event either way.

Located in the seaside town of Manalapan just south of Palm Beach, with the ideal private beachside location, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is a five star resort with the service and offerings to match.

With 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space and 309 guest rooms, all accommodations have private balconies with ocean, garden or pool views.

Family friendly options, such as the Kids’ Club to keep the little ones entertained, and the resort being dog-friendly your four legged family member can live their best life here, providing many options to bring the family along or extend that business trip.

Come join us on Monday, February 5th at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa and see this fabulous venue for yourself. Join our Destination Showcase to meet with our wonderful destination partners and then stay and get to know our hospitality family at the Reception. Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Eau Palm Beach and the first stop on the Sunshine State Roadshow!

Paradise Found: Connoisseurs Connections Winter Conference 2023

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Well, we sure had another Connoisseurs Connections Conferences for the history books!

This year we, along with our Advisory Board, our Destination Partners, and our invited Meeting and Event Planners, all met down in those alluring turquoise waters of the Caribbean in the Dominican Republic. With Eden Roc Cap Cana as our host property we found paradise just steps out our doors with the most perfect private white sand beach at the Beach Club and for those staying in the villas, a private pool just a few steps out their doors.

The welcome reception featured a “blue party” at the resort’s Blue Grille + Bar. Channeling all the Mykonos vibes and redefining the classic “white party” in to a new vibrant color when we asked our guests to wear something blue and greeted them with blue cocktails.

Day One came with a networking breakfast in the open air space at the resort’s La Palapa restaurant. With an inspiring talk from our special guest, Wine to Water founder, Doc Hendley, to start off the morning followed by our Luxury Destination Showcase.

Our Connoisseur guests met with our Destination Partners in one of the beautiful “office” spaces we have hosted in awhile, La Palapa Terrace. With a sea breeze and ocean views overlooking the private cove beach, our guests moved around from destination to destination like speed dating, hospitality style, making new connections and bringing new business and ideas to the table.

The afternoon took us out to sea. Greeted with champagne, our host DMC, Dominicana and Partners, treated us to an afternoon on a catamaran, allowing guests to jump into the turquoise waters and network, Caribbean-style, including a floating bar to keep drinks replenished.

With stunning Isle of Capri-themed king’s tables and décor, the evening brought us our annual gala and auction. Guests were treated to a multi-course Italian meal, followed by a live auction of donated travel packages to motivate our guest’s competitive sides. The auction brought in a mouth-dropping $55,000 to benefit Wine to Water, bringing our auction total for the year to $150,000 (we cannot say this enough: it feels good to give back!).

Before the night ended it was announced that the Connoisseurs Connection Summer Conference will be hosted at Etero, Auberge Resorts Collection in Riviera Maya, June 23-27, 2024!

On Day Two we commuted to the nearby Punta Espada Golf Club via golf carts and settled in to an interactive panel of industry experts speaking on a variety of hot topics. Following our morning panels we were treated to a Spanish-style lunch and instruction and practice on table etiquette from a protocol expert.

A Boho Beach Party, complete with light up dance floor with a dance and drum show, completed our stay at Eden Roc on our final night. Mother Nature had other plans, however, after perfect weather all week, she decided to open up the skies on us as the night was wrapping up and we were treated to a refreshing downpour.

Sadly, we bid Adios to the Dominican Republic and another Connoisseurs Connections Conference. But together we experienced paradise, camaraderie and elegance we won’t soon forget.

Stop #4 Classic Southeast Roadshow: Friday, October 6th, Alpharetta, GA

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Our Southeast Roadshow continues into Georgia with our final stop in the beautiful Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta. Our luxury destination showcase and luncheon will be held at The Hotel at Avalon and South City Kitchen.

About the venue: Inspired by the mythical land of Avalon, where the experience of the “Good Life” is ever-present, The Hotel at Avalon includes lifestyle amenities like a second-floor rooftop pool and terrace with leisure-style cabanas and the seasonal Magnolia Pool Bar, a full-service fitness center, premium valet services, and select BMW house car services.

As part of the Autograph collection, with 330 rooms and suites, this mixed use space also includes residences, retail, restaurants, office space and a movie theater in the beautiful Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta.

Atlanta favorite South City Kitchen brought its Southern hospitality and fare to Alpharetta with the opening of the beloved bungalow restaurant’s fifth location in The Hotel at Avalon.

Serving up contemporary southern cuisine with the best fresh and local ingredients, you’ll find everything from a satisfying midday meal to your dream date night to a hearty Sunday brunch.

Kelli Price Photography will be on site with us offering complimentary headshots at this location, so come prepared to look pretty for the camera and walk away with a new professional headshot when you leave.

Come join us in Alpharetta to experience our unique brand of events on Friday, October 6th at The Hotel at Avalon, for our Destination Showcase and Luncheon at South City Kitchen from 10 am – 2 pm. We can’t wait to welcome you to our family.

You can register on our website at www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Alpharetta and the final stop on the Southeast Roadshow!